Hist 4538
March 9, 2004
The Formation of the Muslim League and the Morley-Minto Reforms
Study groups: Thu, 5-5:50, Hellems 185 and Fri, 1-1:50, DUAN G1B25
“Genuine Representation”
• British assumption that Indians were divided by their different essential characteristics
• Representation under the Raj based on one’s community (based on census data)
• British belief that each group had “natural” leaders, who must be identified
◦ Through election?
◦ Or through demonstrating mass support?
Aftermath of the Bengal Partition
• Influence of liberal new Secretary of State for India (Morley) and more conservative Viceroy (Minto)
• Success of Congress boycott
• Muslim dissatisfaction with Congress approach (dating back to Syed Ahmed Khan)
• Muslim concerns about Hindu-dominated India
Formation of the Muslim League
• Viceroy Minto’s invitation to Muslim leaders to visit him at summer capital at Simla
◦ Muslim minority given disproportionate share of seats, in Muslim electorate
• Later in 1906, these elite Muslims formed new group called the Muslim League
◦ Muslim landlords in Bengal, supported by businessmen hurt by boycott
• Some Aligarhis also support new Muslim League
• Other Aligarhis advocate boycott and cooperation with Congress
Aftermath of the Bengal Partition (cont.)
• Violence in Bengal
• Congress split leaves moderates in charge
• Minto’s crackdown on civil rights
◦ Undermining British claims to moral superiority
◦ Alienating middle-class Indians previously considered foundation of Raj
• 1909: Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act of 1909)
• Small increase in numbers of Indians elected to legislative bodies
• Freedom to discuss budgetary issues and propose resolutions
• Separate electorates reaffirmed and brought from local to national level
• But Muslims disheartened by 1911 reunification of Bengal
• Despite reunification, violence continued
◦ 1912: bomb attack on new viceroy during entry into new capital at New Delhi
• Violent nationalism a grave concern to British leaders in New Delhi and London